Commerce Bar Review – A Proper Speakeasy in East Liberty

From the moment you arrive at Commerce Bar in East Liberty, you know you'll be getting the full speakeasy experience. 

That is because to even access this one you need to make your way to a back alley behind a popular stretch of restaurants and seek out the door to the bar. We could tell you which door, but where is the fun in that? (The end of this article will have a hint.)

Once you enter, the fun of this bar begins.

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7 Great Experiences to Try During Spring in Pittsburgh

Spring in Pittsburgh is when things truly come to life, and we couldn't be happier to finally be able to shake off the winter cold.

While we think that most Pittsburghers hibernate in winter (us included), spring is the complete opposite. People start going out to explore, leaves start returning to the trees, flowers begin blooming, and many businesses start to open for yet another operating season.

The following are some of our favorite things to do when spring has sprung in southwestern Pennsylvania. Naturally, many involve getting outside!

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10 Questions With Phipps Greenhouse Production Manager Lauren D.

Over the course of running Discover the Burgh, we've met hundreds of amazing Pittsburghers doing cool things in the city be it running a restaurant, operating a unique store, publishing on a media platform of their own, and so much more.

Our reviews here often focus on the unique aspects of the place/experience over the people behind it. So to dive a bit deeper, we decided to start this Pittsburgh interview series to get to know the people doing cool things in the city, how they got started, advice they may have for others looking to do something similar, and of course, learn about their favorite places in Pittsburgh!

In this edition, we sit down with Lauren Delorenze, Greenhouse Production Manager at one of our favorite spots in the city- Phipps Conservatory! If you've ever wanted to learn about all the hard work that goes into bringing the seasonal flower shows to life, we have you covered in this one.

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Fat Butcher Brings Quality Local Meats to Lawrenceville

When it comes to buying meats in Pittsburgh, we always look for two things- local farms using ethical practices and, if possible, processed by a skilled butcher.

The former is easy to find, and the latter, well, let's say the art of butchering meat felt like it was on its way out for quite some time with only a few famed butchers remaining in and around Pittsburgh.

Thankfully, this profession is starting to make a resurgence in the city, and if it is anything like what the team at Fat Butcher in Lawrenceville is doing, we are sold on what the future will be like.

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Soluna Review – Coffee in the Morning, Mezcal in the Evening

In early 2023, the Honduran coffee shop, Cafetano, rebranded as Soluna Coffee & Mezcal Bar. The coffee shop portion of the restaurant operates similarly to the former concept plus the addition of night time libations and food in the backroom Mezcal bar. We visited the coffee shop when it was Cafetano and revisited Soluna for the mezcal bar shortly after opening.

When we found out the Honduran coffee shop Soluna (formerly Cafetano) was opening in the former Gaucho space in the Strip District, we weren't entirely sure what to think of it. This had nothing to do with the coffee shop itself (we will never say no to more amazing coffee in Pittsburgh), but rather the use of the space outright.

By Strip District standards, Gaucho had one of the larger building footprints in the neighborhood and, when it comes to coffee shops, we're not used to seeing any of that size anywhere in the city. So hearing that a coffee shop was moving into this particular space was a bit of a surprise.

Thankfully, their wonderful coffee shop offered a hard reminder how much good space in coffee shops is sorely needed, and when this one rebranded as Soluna in 2023 to also incorporate a late-night mezcal bar in the back, we saw the perfect utilization of this space all around.

So whether you visit Soluna for their delicious coffee and small plates during the day, or for a Mezcal cocktail and more unique food in the evening, you really have several reasons to visit this gem in the Strip District!

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10 Reasons to Visit Pittsburgh in March – Spring is Coming

Pittsburgh in March can be hit or miss depending on the weather. Some years we get an early spring and it is a beautiful time to be outside. Others, the winter dreariness continues on.

As such, if you are looking to get out and explore Pittsburgh this month you'll need to be aware of the weather before making plans.

So in this month's feature, we have a mix of indoor and outdoor options to have you covered no matter what the forecast is!

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G’s on Liberty Review – Classical Dining With a Twist

G's on Liberty in Bloomfield has a classic, upscale-leaning menu with an extensive wine list. Although this is a newer restaurant with modern decor, it has the vibe of a restaurant that has been around for decades. It's comfortable with incredibly friendly service and a menu full of favorites with hints of international twists.

So while we went to this one for a light dinner, we ended up staying for a feast.

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Seven Springs Resort Review – A Mountain Resort for All Seasons

We've been fortunate enough to visit Seven Springs in the Laurel Highlands on many occasions. Sometimes just to ski, others as a hotel base to explore the region at large (in nearly every season, too).

This has allowed us to experience most of the property, and in this one wanted to share more in a rather comprehensive review!

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Vikings: Warriors of the North Sea Comes to Pittsburgh

The Carnegie Science Center has a new temporary exhibition, running through early September 2023- Vikings: Warriors of the North Sea!

Naturally, as fans of all things Viking history and members of the Carnegie Museums, we had to get into this one to check it out on opening day. 

While we will say that our visit to this one was quite brief, we did leave with a full appreciation for all things Viking Age. However, those who are visiting may want to combine this one with a full ticket to the Science Center to get the most out of your visit!

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Hidden Valley Resort – A Great Ski Resort for First Timers

We are quite fortunate to have a number of ski resorts in the Laurel Highlands with slopes suitable for all skill levels.

But for those who are beginners to the sport, like myself, one property sticks out as being a stellar option for those looking to learn- Hidden Valley.

With several easy-to-navigate trails, modest on-site amenities, a wonderful staff, and a relaxed ambiance all around, Hidden Valley should be the first stop for those looking to learn to ski in the Laurel Highlands!

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